Charles Barkley has no plans to step away from the spotlight just yet. The NBA Hall of Famer and beloved TV analyst has confirmed his intention to honor his 10-year contract with TNT Sports, even as the network prepares to lose its NBA broadcasting rights after the upcoming 2024-25 season. Previously, Barkley had suggested he might retire at the end of that season, but now it seems he’s ready to continue his TV career beyond the network’s NBA run.
The 2024-25 season will mark the end of TNT’s long-standing association with NBA games, as a new media rights deal will see the league partner with NBC, Amazon, and ESPN instead. Despite this, Barkley remains committed to his TNT family, emphasizing his desire to stay with the network and continue working on new projects.
“I love my TNT Sports family,” Barkley said in a statement. “My top priority has always been to keep our team together for as long as possible. We have an incredible group of people, and they are the best at what they do. I’m excited to continue working with them, not only on our current shows but also on new ones we’ll develop together. This is the only place I want to be.”
Barkley also expressed his admiration for the leadership at TNT Sports, praising their efforts to expand the network’s offerings and their commitment to keeping the team intact. He noted that he’s been impressed by their aggressive pursuit of new properties and expressed his gratitude to both his colleagues and fans for their ongoing support.
For months, there had been speculation that TNT might lose its NBA rights, and Barkley was outspoken about his reluctance to see that happen. Having been a fixture on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” for over two decades, Barkley had initially planned to retire if the network lost its NBA coverage. In June, he announced that he would step down after the 2024-25 season, regardless of what happened with the media rights.
“I made the decision myself—no matter what happens, next year is gonna be my last year on television,” Barkley said at the time. “I just want to say thank you to my NBA family. You guys have been great to me, and my heart is full of joy and gratitude. But I’m going to pass the baton at the end of next year.”
Charles Barkley even explored the possibility of moving to another network if TNT lost its NBA rights, but he ultimately decided to retire after what would be his 25th year with TNT. However, his stance has since shifted, and he now plans to continue his career at the network, where he’s become one of the most iconic voices in sports broadcasting.
Known for his candid commentary and playful banter with co-host Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley has helped make “Inside the NBA” one of the most entertaining and popular sports shows on television. The entire cast of the show has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and Barkley himself has been recognized with induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Although this may be the final season of NBA games on TNT, Barkley’s television career is far from over. As he enters the third year of his contract with TNT Sports, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him and the rest of the “Inside the NBA” team now that the network is set to lose its NBA coverage.
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